Small Business Saturday: Shop Bridgewater

Start your holiday shopping at locally owned stores during Small Business Saturday.

Small Business Saturday is on Nov. 24 this year, two days after Thanksgiving. It is a day for everyone to support the small businesses that their community thrives on. American Express founded the day in 2010 to help small businesses get exposure during the holiday season, when they might be otherwise overlooked. With retailers buzzing around the holidays, it is important to support local small businesses that rely on their neighbors in order to continue prospering and building the local economy in Bridgewater.  Last year, 100 million people nationwide participated in Small Business Saturday by shopping at locally owned stores to help boost the economy and their communities. You can also “like” Small Business Saturday on Facebook by …

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Small Business Owner Offers Tips for Expanding Services

Small business owner Linda Fuller offers tips for growing your business and offering more services to expand clientele.

There are hundreds of small businesses in Bridgewater. Some of them may be places you and your family frequent, businesses that have been in Bridgewater for as long as you can remember. And some may be your go-to places instead of national chains. Small business owner Linda Fuller is no stranger to starting a business from the ground up. In her recent interview with Patch Partners, a website connecting business owners to Patch in local communities, she offered insight into how she expanded her business’s services from just flowers to wine, beer and gourmet gift baskets at Lake Anne Florist in Reston, VA. Homework must be done first, she said. “Research what’s compatible with your own products and services, what the current trends are and …

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Jewelry Store Finds Second Home in Martinsville

Fawn Jewelers has become The Jewelry Store at Martinsville, on Washington Valley Road.

When Fawn Jewelers, on Washington Valley Road, closed in March, owners Darrell and Nancy Leger thought they might have to head out of Bridgewater to reopen their store—little did they know they would open only a few blocks away. In July, the Legers opened The Jewelry Store at Martinsville, also on Washington Valley Road, and held the grand opening beginning Thursday. "We never expected to be able to stay in Martinsville," Darrell Leger said. Originally, Leger said, the couple was forced to close down Fawn Jewelers because the rent was too high. He said they were planning to reopen the store, but they figured they would not find a place in Martinsville, and they started looking everywhere from Bedminster to Berkeley Heights. And then a …

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Patch Partners Supports Small Businesses in Bridgewater

AOL Chairman and CEO Tim Armstrong gives advice to small business owners via Patch Partners.

There are hundreds of businesses in Bridgewater. Some of them may be places you and your family frequent, businesses that have been in Bridgewater for as long as you can remember. And some may be your go-to places instead of national chains. AOL Chairman and CEO Tim Armstrong may stand behind a global brand, but he believes in the power of small businesses. In his recent interview with Patch Partners, a website connecting business owners to Patch in local communities, he offered his insight into what can set a small business above the rest of the competition. Small businesses can hold a lot of power if they are intuitive with their customer base, Armstrong said. “Small businesses can be nimble and can have intimate relationships with their…

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Great Escape

Santa Claus is Coming to ... Bridgewater

Families are invited to take pictures with Santa at the mall.

Sometimes there's just not enough days in the week, but every Wednesday we'll give you an idea of something to do to relax, spend time with family and just take some time for yourself. And this time we’re talking about getting fully prepared for the holiday season by heading over to the Bridgewater Commons Mall for a visit with the man in red himself. On Friday, Santa Claus arrived at the mall, ready for photos and much more with those looking to kickstart the season. Sitting in the Santa set in the center court of the mall, he will be there to take photos with children, full families and even pets. Santa will be at the mall from Nov. 9 through Dec. 24, and photo packages are available at the site—they include a certificate signed by Santa…

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Gas Rationing Sees Shorter Lines at Some Stations

Governor's new gas plan and restrictions imposed by station owners results in slightly shorter waits in some places, same story in others.

At noon Saturday, Gov. Chris Christie's even-odd gas rationing mandate went into effect for 12 New Jersey counties, including Bergen, Essex, Morris, Monmouth, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex and Warren. The result, in some cases, was modestly shorter gas lines than have been seen in the days since Sandy hit. Of course, other stations featured the same long lines and interminable waits that have dotted North Jersey in recent days.

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What Tree Services are in the Area?

A list of places in the Patch Somerset coverage area where you may be able to get help.

Hurricane Sandy, a post-tropical cyclone by the time it came through Somerset County, blew down countless trees. Unfortunately, many residents are looking at a large cleanup, including removal of those trees. In an effort to help people identify places that may be able to help, we compiled a list of businesses in our directories that might be able to help with tree removal. If you know of any places and you'd like them included, please leave the information in the comments section below.  Bernardsville Bridgewater Green Brook Hillsborough Warren Watchung

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